Men charged after New Year's celebration sent bullets into homes, one near baby's crib

Jan. 2, 2014

Iver L. Anthony

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News-Leader Staff

Marcus M. Andrews

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Two local men face felony weapon charges for allegedly firing guns during a New Year’s Eve celebration. No one hurt, but one bullet lodged in a wall near a baby’s crib.

Marcus Andrews, 33, and Iver L. Anthony, 35, each are charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon in relation to the alleged shooting, according to a news release from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Cathy Ussery, public relations coordinator for the office, said the charges stem from guns being fired as part of a New Year’s Eve celebration.

The release said deputies talked with residents near the 3900 block of South Western Avenue and the 3300 block West Riverside in Springfield who found damage from bullets that had hit their homes.

After several interviews, deputies traced the bullets to a New Year’s Eve party at a nearby home, in the 3200 block of West Highland Street, the release said.

“No one was struck by any of the shots fired by the party-goers,” the release said. “However, a bullet had entered the bedroom wall of an infant and (was) located in close proximity to the crib.”

Although shooting guns in the air on New Year’s is sometimes regarded as a tradition, it can have deadly consequences, Sheriff Jim Arnott warned in the release.

“Fortunately no one was hurt but this is a situation that could have had a tragic ending for an innocent person,” Arnott said in the release. “Be responsible around firearms — treat them as if they’re loaded, lock and secure them, be aware of your surroundings.”

Andrews’s bond was set at $10,000, according to the release. Anthony, who was charged in November with driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana, has a bond set at $15,000.